euro-bank-notes - EUR

After gaining 1.1% versus the US Dollar last week, the Euro is extending gains at the start of the new week. The Euro settled the previous week at US$1.0936 after the Federal Reserve injected more funds into the system and as the Eurogroup finally agreed to a rescue package.

At 08:00 UTC, EUR/USD is trading +0.2% higher at US$1.0963. This is the top end of the daily range of US$1.0925 – US$1.0956. European markets are closed today for the extended Easter weekend. Meanwhile US markets are open.

Euro Advances As Spain Starts To Ease Lock Down

The Euro is pushing higher amid further signs that the coronavirus outbreak is slowing in Europe. Italy, Germany and Spain have all reported a slowdown in the increase of coronavirus cases and deaths.

Spain reported 619 coronavirus deaths on Sunday, as the number continues to fall. The growth of new infections fell to 2.6%, the lowest level since the outbreak began. Today Spain will ease some of its lock down measures, which have been in place since 14th March. Some factory workers and construction workers will return to work today. Countries across Europe will be watching closely to see how the easing of these measures goes and whether the number of cases start to increase in the coming weeks. Italy, meanwhile, has extended its lockdown until the end of the month.

USD Looks To US Earning Season

The dollar eased across the previous week after the Federal Reserve announced further measures to support the economy after the number of people applying for unemployment insurance jumped by an additional 6.6 million in the week ending 3rd April. This bring the total over a three-week period to around 10% of the US workforce.

Attention will now turn towards US earning season which kicks off on Tuesday with banks. Firms are expected to show the initial impact of the coronavirus outbreak on profits and revenue. Investors will pay particular attention to forward guidance given that the largest hit is expected to be in the second quarter. Weak numbers could boost demand for the safe haven US Dollar.